To date, the San Joaquin Valley has only received 1.57 inches of precipitation this season (July 1 2011-June 30 2012) with none in December. The last time the San Joaquin Valley had such poor December rainfall was in 1999 and 2000, receiving 0.03 and 0.07 inches, respectively.

In both of the following springs, California grape growers observed severe delayed spring growth (DSG), the symptoms of which include irregular and poor bud-break and low shoot vigor. Entire vineyards were affected. Many of the vineyards that displayed erratic growth patterns were Thompson Seedless, but other varieties were also affected. Much of what we know about this phenomenon is from comparing cultural practices (e.g. irrigation), nutrient analysis,...

2012 will mark 31 years since the first San Joaquin Valley Grape Symposium. The inaugural symposium was held at the old Hacienda Inn at Clinton Ave. and 99 Hwy in Fresno, CA. The meeting had presentations by farm advisors and specialist covering soils, irrigation, grapevine nutrition and mechanical pruning in addition to other topics. This years meeting will be similar but will focus on raisin production and marketing activities.

The 2012 SJV Grape Symposium is being held at the C.P.D.E.S. Hall in Easton, CA and will include a catered lunch highlighting dishes made with raisins. The

Are you considering agritourism or nature tourism on your farm or ranch? Would you like to build your agritourism or nature tourism business?

This class is for you!

• Local pioneering agritourism operators will share their own experiences and will be part of a supportive network of advisors as class participants plan and start new enterprises.
• Participants will learn from experts in business planning, regulatory compliance, risk management, hospitality and cost-effective marketing, including social media.

Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys Stål was recently found in San Luis Obispo County in an incoming shipment of household items from Pennsylvania, where it is considered as a serious pest.  The Ag Commissioner’s office took immediate action to eradicate this intruder by physical removal and chemical treatments.  In light of this, here is a brief note on this invasive pest.

Origin and distribution: BMSB is native to Asia and is considered as an important pest in China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.  It was first reported in Pennsylvania in late 90s and is now reported in a majority of the states in the US.  However,...